Mountain bikers race downhill through Chilean village

Bikers fly off ramps, dodge buildings and descend stairs as they plummet
through the steep streets of Valparaiso, Chile in a remarkable annual urban
downhill race.

8:52PM GMT 20 Feb 2012

Thousands crowded around the narrow, winding 1.2 mile course as 50 men and three women racers flew down pavements, over stairs and soared off jumps.

Bolivian bike racer Iannik Wende said the picturesque Valparaiso in Chile, which clings to steep hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is a singular location.

"It's a unique race. People come from all over to watch this event. The people are very enthusiastic. It's very demanding, crazy and unique. Valparaiso is a very unique city," Wende said.

Argentinian rider Pablo Sewald said the enthusiastic crowd and the particular setting add up to a feeling that isn't repeated in any other race.

"It's something you don't feel in any other race. It's one of the world's most remarkable urban races. There are so many people, and it's a feeling you don't get from any other downhill race," he said.